LONDON BUS TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours on a Purple Routemaster: A Guided Ride Through London’s Harry Potter Filming Sites
A two-hour, expert-led bus tour that visits real Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts filming locations in central London aboard a themed 1960s Routemaster.
Two Hours on a Purple Routemaster: A Guided Ride Through London’s Harry Potter Filming Sites.
Set off from the Thames at Embankment and climb aboard a purple-painted 1960s Routemaster for a compact, two-hour tour of Harry Potter filming locations in central London. An English-speaking guide—steeped in the films and books—narrates behind-the-scenes stories as the bus threads past cinematic landmarks and stops twice so you can step out for photos and a closer look.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Purple Routemaster Tribute to the Knight Bus
The tour runs on a classic, purple-painted 1960s Routemaster—themed to evoke the Knight Bus—offering a comfortable way to see central London’s film locations without navigating crowded streets on foot.
Iconic Filming Sites in Central London
Stops include the Leaky Cauldron entrance, the exterior used for Gringotts Bank, and bridges and streets featured across the Potter films and Fantastic Beasts—many visible from the bus and a few explored on foot.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia from an Expert Guide
A dedicated, English-speaking guide shares film trivia and anecdote-driven narration throughout the journey, and will even test your Potter knowledge with a bit of friendly competition.
What the day feels like
What the Two-Hour Tour Feels Like
You’ll board at Embankment and settle into the Routemaster as the driver steers through central London. Some locations are pointed out from the moving bus while the group disembarks twice to photograph and explore a handful of key exteriors; along the route you pass landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Leadenhall Market, St Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy the view from Lambeth Bridge—all narrated with film lore and behind-the-scenes detail.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits best—and who may want something different.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a camera, comfortable shoes, a bottle of water and an umbrella—the tour runs rain or shine.
There is a public toilet/bathroom at the start and end point of the tour at Embankment.
You can leave your belongings in your seat when stepping off the bus for short photo stops.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour runs for two hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at Embankment Station by the river exit; turn left to find the large purple Routemaster bus.
Does the tour end where it begins?
Yes—the Harry Potter Bus Tour concludes back at Embankment Station.
Are there restrooms available?
There is a public toilet/bathroom at the start and end point of the tour.
Will I be able to get off the bus?
Yes—participants alight from the bus two times during the tour to get closer looks and take photographs.
What language is the tour in and who leads it?
The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who shares behind-the-scenes stories and film trivia.